Rock Solid Warrior: Tech. Sgt. Antonio Camarao

Tech. Sgt. Antonio Camarao, 387th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, days flight chief, is deployed from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Camarao is on his 11th deployment and is enjoying doing more hands-on work than he gets to do at his home station. He has been selected by his leadership as this week's Rock Solid Warrior. (Courtesy photo)

Published July 24, 2013
387th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Rank/First & Last Name: Tech. Sgt. Antonio Camarao

Deployed Unit: 387th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron

Duty Title: Days Flight Chief

Home unit/station: 412th Security Forces Squadron, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

Family's military heritage: Two uncles in the Army and the Marines

What is your mission here? Provide a secure environment for air sorties and ground convoys of passengers, cargo and equipment.

What are some of the best parts of your mission? Seeing my personnel receive acknowledgement for doing their job every day.

What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them? Having patience was a challenge I had to overcome working with people. I overcame it through listening more and understanding that not everyone has the same thought process.

How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base? Well back home I was recently hired into the training section and get to enjoy a nice air-conditioned office with a computer; here I'm taken back to my flight days where you're out there doing the job, interacting with people, feeling the difference being made.

How many times have you deployed? I think this is my 11th

What makes this deployment unique? The triple digit heat plus this place doesn't require me to run around with all my gear on and dive into bunkers every other day. Not very many things are unique in this world, I'd be hard pressed to find something here to tell me otherwise.

Why did you join the Air Force? My mother wanted me to do something with myself and see the world; initially that was my only motivation to join. But the longer I stayed in the more that changed into being the difference and doing what needs to be done so that others don't have to. This job isn't cut out for everyone and I appreciate who I am and who I've become; guess I owe the Air Force a big thanks.